1. GROW WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY!
    Eating the fruits of your labor is the most exciting part of gardening. When planning your garden, be sure to grow plants you will enjoy eating. If you don’t want it on your plate, you don’t want it in your garden.
  2. WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE…
    In the early stages of garden planning, be sure to consider water access in your garden and how you will water your plants. In Texas, it is especially important that plants get enough water during long summer days.
  3. TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
    Sunlight is essential for the vitality of a garden, but tables quickly turn when summer days grow long. If you’re hoping to garden year-round, look for ways to provide shade in hotter months. Shade cloths from a hardware store or good old fashioned tree shade will do the trick.
  4. GET ON YOUR LEVELS
    Testing your soil may not sound exciting but it is critical! Healthy soils cultivate healthy plants. Testing the pH and nutrient levels of your soil will get you started on the right foot and prevent frustrating garden fails.
  5. KNOW YOUR ZONE
    Regions of the US are divided into “USDA Plant Hardiness Zones”. Here in DFW, we are located in Zone 8. When you know your zone, you’ll learn the first and last frost date for your location plus all the information you need for a fruitful harvest!
  6. ALWAYS BRING A BUDDY
    The best things come in pairs and plants are no exception! Strengthen your garden by companion planting complementary crops. Tomatoes and marigolds are a great place to start. Marigolds repel pests and allow tomatoes to grow to their full potential.
  7. HAVE A METHOD TO THE MADNESS
    A well planned garden is a beauty to behold. A trellis of peas becomes a living wall, and a cozy bed of lettuces echoes the forest floor. Spend some time thinking of how you want your garden to look at the height of summer, then get started with the vision. 
  8. TALK TO YOUR PLANTS (BUT BEWARE WHEN THEY ANSWER…)
    Really what we mean is, take the time to enjoy your garden! Gardening has its challenges, but there’s no therapy quite like a beautiful day tending the garden. There’s a reason humans write endless poems to these little plants. Serenading your sweet peas may be just what the doctor ordered!